Washing machine

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to washing machines, and more particularly, to a detergent introducing device to a washing machine which can prevent early introduction of detergent, such as fiber softener and the like. The washing machine includes a cabinet which is an exterior of the washing machine, a drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet, and a detergent introducing device drawably mounted in the cabinet for supplying detergent, such as fiber softener, and the like, to the drum, wherein the detergent introducing device includes a detergent box having a chamber for holding the detergent, such as the fiber softener, and a first siphon tube projected upward from the chamber, and an early introduction preventive portion mounted on the detergent box for preventing early introduction of the fiber softener in the chamber into the first siphon tube. The washing machine of the present invention has the following advantages. The early introduction preventive portion of the detergent introducing device permits to prevent early introduction of fiber softener in the detergent box into the drum even if an impact is applied to the detergent box having the detergent, such as the fiber softener, held therein. Accordingly, as a loss of the fiber softener can be reduced, a washing effect can be maximized, and an effective washing can be done.

This application claims the benefit of the Patent Korean Application No. 10-2005-0081235, filed on Sep. 1, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to washing machines, and more particularly, to a detergent introducing device to a washing machine which can prevent early introduction of detergent, such as fiber softener and the like.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

In general, as a drum type washing machine washes laundry by using friction between washing water and laundry in a drum rotated by driving force of a motor, a drum type washing machine shows almost no laundry damage and no entangling of the laundry, and provides a pounding and rubbing washing effect.

The drum type washing machine is provided with a detergent introducing device filled with detergent, fiber softener, or/and additives (hereafter called as “detergent etc.,”) in advance. In this state, upon putting the washing machine into operation, while the detergent etc., are introduced into the drum, washing, rinsing, and spinning are progressed in succession or selectively.

A related art detergent introducing device of the drum type washing machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 attached hereto.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a related art detergent introducing device schematically, and FIG. 2 illustrates a section across a line I-I in FIG. 2.

In general, the drum type washing machine (not shown) has a cabinet (not shown) of a rectangular case, with a detergent introducing device 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) drawably mounted in an upper portion of a front of the cabinet.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the detergent introducing device 1 is provided with a detergent box 10 drawably mounted in the cabinet, and a siphon cover 20.

The detergent box 10 has a chamber 11 for holding detergent, such as fiber softener, and the like, and an inner siphon tube 12 projected upward from the chamber 11.

The siphon cover 20, seated on an upper portion of the chamber 11, has an outer siphon tube 22 projected downward to surround an outside of the inner siphon tube 12.

However, the detergent introducing device 1 has the following problems.

That is, the fiber softener which is required to be introduced at the time of final rinsing is introduced earlier if an impact is applied to the detergent introducing device 1.

In detail, in a case the fiber softener held in the chamber 11 rushes toward the inner siphon tube 12 to overflow a top end of the inner siphon tube 12 due to an impact at the time of filling in the fiber softener in the detergent introducing device 1 and pushing the detergent introducing device 1, the fiber softener is introduced into the inner siphon tube 12.

Consequently, the earlier introduction of the fiber soften into the drum (not shown), which is required to be introduced at final rinsing, to exit mixed with the washing water, drops an effect of the fiber softener, and impedes the present operation to drop efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a washing machine having a detergent introducing device.

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having a detergent introducing device which enables timely introduction of detergent, such as fiber softener.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a washing machine includes a cabinet which is an exterior of the washing machine, a drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet, and a detergent introducing device drawably mounted in the cabinet for supplying detergent, such as fiber softener, and the like, to the drum, wherein the detergent introducing device includes a detergent box having a chamber for holding the detergent, such as the fiber softener, and a first siphon tube projected upward from the chamber, and an early introduction preventive portion mounted on the detergent box for preventing early introduction of the fiber softener in the chamber into the first siphon tube.

Preferably, the early introduction preventive portion is a plate projected upward from a bottom of the chamber.

Preferably, the early introduction preventive portion has a height enough to prevent the fiber softener from being introduced into the first siphon tube even if the fiber softener rushes.

Preferably, the early introduction preventive portion has a top edge positioned higher than or the same with a top of the first siphon tube.

In another aspect of the present invention, a washing machine includes a cabinet which is an exterior of the washing machine, a drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet, and a detergent introducing device drawably mounted in the cabinet for supplying detergent, such as fiber softener, and the like, to the drum, wherein the detergent introducing device includes a detergent box having a chamber for holding the detergent, such as the fiber softener, and a first siphon tube projected upward from the chamber, a siphon cover mounted on an upper portion of the chamber, the siphon cover having a second siphon tube projected downward to cap the first siphon tube, and an early introduction preventive portion mounted on the chamber or the siphon cover for preventing early introduction of the fiber softener in the chamber into the first siphon tube.

Preferably, the early introduction preventive portion is a plate projected down from a ceiling of the siphon cover.

Preferably, the early introduction preventive portion and the first siphon tube are overlapped in a vertical direction.

The early introduction preventive portion may have a height the same with or different from the first siphon tube.

Preferably, the early introduction preventive portion has a width substantially the same with a diameter of the second siphon tube.

Thus, owing to the early introduction preventive portion on the detergent introducing device, even if an impact is applied to the detergent box having detergent, such as fiber softener, held therein, the early introduction of the fiber softener from the detergent box to the drum is prevented.

Accordingly, a loss of the fiber softener can be reduced, permitting to maximize a washing effect, to perform an effective washing operation.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a related art detergent introducing device schematically.

FIG. 2 illustrates a section across a line I-I in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a detergent introducing device in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a section across a line II-II in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a detergent introducing device in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, schematically.

FIG. 6 illustrates a section across a line III-III in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

A detergent introducing device in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 attached hereto.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a detergent introducing device in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 illustrates a section across a line II-II in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a detergent introducing device in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention schematically, and FIG. 6 illustrates a section across a line III-III in FIG. 5.

The detergent introducing device in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the detergent introducing device includes a detergent box 110, a siphon cover 120, and an early introduction preventive portion 130.

The detergent box 110 is drawably mounted in an upper portion of a front of the drum type washing machine.

The detergent box 110 has a chamber 111 for holding detergent, such as fiber softener, and the like, and a first siphon tube 112 projected upward from the chamber 111.

The first siphon tube 112 is a tubular passage for introducing detergent, such as fiber softener, into the drum.

The siphon cover 120, seated on an upper portion of the chamber 111, has a second siphon tube 122 in correspondence to the first siphon tube 112.

The second siphon tube 122 is projected downward from the siphon cover 120 such that the second siphon tube 122 can cap the first siphon tube 112, with a predetermined gap between an outside surface of the first siphon tube 112 and an inside surface of the second siphon tube 122, so that the fiber softener can be introduced therethrough.

It is preferable that there is an annular recess 113 in a bottom surface of the chamber 111 around an outside circumference of a lower end of the first siphon tube 112, so that a lower end of the second siphon tube 122 is opposite to the annular recess 113 when the second siphon tube 122 is capped on the first siphon tube 112.

In the meantime, the early introduction preventive portion 130 serves to prevent the fiber softener in the chamber 111 from being introduced into the first siphon tube 112 earlier. That is, in a process the detergent box 110 is pushed into the washing machine, it is a matter of course that the fiber softener in the chamber 111 rushes toward the first siphon tube 112.

In this instance, a case takes place in which a portion of the fiber softener is introduced into the first siphon tube 112, when the early introduction preventive portion 130 prevents the fiber softener from rushing, to prevent the fiber softener from introducing into the first siphon tube 112. That is, the early introduction preventive portion serves like a breakwater.

In the meantime, it is preferable that the early introduction preventive portion 130 has a shape of plate projected upward from a bottom of the chamber 111 for the best effective attenuation of the rush of the fiber softener.

It is more preferable that a top of the early introduction preventive portion 130 is the same or higher than a top of the first siphon tube 112.

Moreover, it is preferable that the early introduction preventive portion 130 has a width the same with a diameter of the second siphon tube 122, substantially.

This is because it is liable that the attenuation of rushing of the fiber softener becomes ineffective if the early introduction preventive portion 130 has a width smaller than the diameter of the second siphon tube 122, and it is liable that a flow of the fiber softener in the chamber 111 is not smooth if the early introduction preventive portion 130 has a width greater than the diameter of the second siphon tube 122.

The operation of the detergent introducing device 100 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.

After pulling out the detergent box 110 of the detergent introducing device 100 from the washing machine at a time before final rinsing, the user fills the chamber 111 of the detergent box 110 with the fiber softener, and pushes the detergent box 110 into the washing machine.

If an impact is applied to the detergent box 110 at the time the user pushes in the detergent box 110, the fiber softener in the chamber 111 of the detergent box 110 rushes toward the first siphon tube 112.

In this instance, the early introduction preventive portion 130 of the detergent introducing device 100 in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention permits to prevent the fiber softener from being introduced earlier before the final rinsing.

That is, even if the fiber softener in the chamber 111 rushes toward the first siphon tube 112 due to an impact applied thereto, the rushing of the fiber softener is attenuated as the fiber softener hits the early introduction preventive portion 130 before the fiber softener reaches to the first siphon tube 112.

Eventually, even if the impact is applied to the detergent box 110, the early introduction preventive portion 130 can attenuate the rushing of the fiber softener, to prevent the fiber softener from overflowing the top of the first siphon tube 112 and introducing into the first siphon tube.

Next, a detergent introducing device in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, alike the first embodiment, the detergent introducing device 200 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a detergent box 210, a siphon cover 220, an early introduction preventive portion 230.

Instead of the bottom of the chamber 211, the early introduction preventive portion 230 of the detergent introducing device 200 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided to the siphon cover 220.

That is, the early introduction preventive portion 230 of the detergent introducing device 200 in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention is projected down from a ceiling of the siphon cover 230.

It is preferable that the early introducing preventive portion 230 has a portion overlapped with a portion of the first siphon tube 212 in a vertical direction, for making effective attenuation of the rushing of the fiber softener.

That is, if there is a space between a lower end of the early introduction preventive portion 230 and an upper end of the first siphon tube 212, the fiber softener can flow through a gap thereof, resulting in introduction of the fiber softener into the fist siphon tube 212.

The early introduction preventive portion 230 and the first siphon tube 222 may be overlapped in the vertical direction while the early introduction preventive portion 230 and the first siphon tube 222 have the same or different heights.

The early introduction preventive portion 230 has a width substantially the same with a diameter of the first siphon tube 222 on a reason the same with the first embodiment.

Alike the detergent introducing device 100 in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, since the detergent introducing device 200 in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention also has an early introducing preventive portion 230, the early introduction of the fiber softener before the final rinsing can be prevented.

If an impact is applied to the detergent box 210 causing the fiber softener in the chamber 211 to rush toward the first siphon tube 212, the rushing of the fiber softener is attenuated as the fiber softener hits the early introduction preventive portion 130 before the fiber softener reaches to the first siphon tube 212.

Eventually, even if the impact is applied to the detergent box 210, the early introduction preventive portion 230 can attenuate the rushing of the fiber softener, to prevent the fiber softener from overflowing the top of the first siphon tube 212 and introducing into the first siphon tube 212.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A washing machine comprising: a cabinet which is an exterior of the washing machine, a drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet, and a detergent introducing device drawably mounted in the cabinet for supplying detergent, such as fiber softener, and the like, to the drum, wherein the detergent introducing device includes; a detergent box having a chamber for holding the detergent, such as the fiber softener, and a first siphon tube projected upward from the chamber, and an early introduction preventive portion mounted on the detergent box for preventing early introduction of the fiber softener in the chamber into the first siphon tube.
 2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the detergent introducing device further includes a siphon cover having a second siphon tube for capping the first siphon tube.
 3. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the early introduction preventive portion is a plate projected upward from a bottom of the chamber.
 4. The washing machine of claim 3, wherein the early introduction preventive portion has a height enough to prevent the fiber softener from being introduced into the first siphon tube even if the fiber softener rushes.
 5. The washing machine of claim 4, wherein the early introduction preventive portion has a top edge positioned higher than or the same with a top of the first siphon tube.
 6. A washing machine comprising: a cabinet which is an exterior of the washing machine, a drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet, and a detergent introducing device drawably mounted in the cabinet for supplying detergent, such as fiber softener, and the like, to the drum, wherein the detergent introducing device includes; a detergent box having a chamber for holding the detergent, such as the fiber softener, and a first siphon tube projected upward from the chamber, a siphon cover mounted on an upper portion of the chamber, the siphon cover having a second siphon tube projected downward to cap the first siphon tube, and an early introduction preventive portion mounted on the chamber or the siphon cover for preventing early introduction of the fiber softener in the chamber into the first siphon tube.
 7. The washing machine of claim 6, wherein the early introduction preventive portion is a plate projected down from a ceiling of the siphon cover.
 8. The washing machine of claim 7, wherein the early introduction preventive portion and the first siphon tube are overlapped in a vertical direction.
 9. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein the early introduction preventive portion has a height the same with the first siphon tube.
 10. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein the early introduction preventive portion has a height different from a height of the first siphon tube.
 11. The washing machine of claim 7, wherein the early introduction preventive portion has a width substantially the same with a diameter of the second siphon tube.
 12. The washing machine of claim 7, wherein the early introduction preventive portion is a plate projected upward from a bottom of the chamber.
 13. A detergent introducing device comprising: a detergent box drawably mounted in a washing machine, having a chamber for holding detergent, such as fiber softener, and a first siphon tube projected upward from the chamber, a siphon cover mounted on an upper portion of the chamber, the siphon cover having a second siphon tube projected downward to cap the first siphon tube, and an early introduction preventive portion mounted on the chamber or the siphon cover for preventing early introduction of the fiber softener in the chamber into the first siphon tube. 